Community preceptors honored at appreciation event

Medical student Paras Ahuja networks with attendees at the reception for community partners.

The Whiddon College of Medicine recently hosted an appreciation event for community partners who serve as clinical preceptors for medical students during their pre-clerkship years. Organized by the Division of Medical Education, the reception was held in the Hargrove Club at Hancock Whitney Stadium. 

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, ”Since the goal of medical education is to enable students to perform clinical skills with actual patients in the clinical setting, patient care experiences should be employed as early and as frequently as possible in the curriculum.” 

Nia Booth, president of the Class of 2027, thanks the

community partners for their service.

Traditionally, medical students begin clinical rotations during the third and fourth years of medical school. However, through the Clinically Integrated Introductory Course (CLINIC), dedicated community partners enable the Whiddon College of Medicine to introduce first- and second-year medical students to the hands-on practice of medicine. These dedicated community partners are physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who allow students to work in their clinics three times each semester while providing outstanding medical education. First-year students rotate within primary care, and second-year students rotate in specialties of their choice. 

“The preceptors provide not only technical knowledge and skills but also help our students develop their professional identities as budding physicians,” said Candis Patterson, CLINIC coordinator. “They are an invaluable part of our students' early medical education, and students greatly enjoy this experience.” 

About 50 guests attended the annual reception, including community preceptors, faculty, administrators and students. “We look forward to seeing the event grow as we expand our community outreach,” Patterson said.

Providers interested in joining the CLINIC program can contact Candis Patterson at cpatterson@southalabama.edu for more information.

View more photos from the event on Flickr.